Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey confirmed that teenage batting sensation and middle-order mainstay Ayush Mhatre suffered a serious injury during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Uppal on Saturday 18 April. CSK lost the match by 10 runs after failing to chase down 195 in 20 overs.
Mhatre, who led India to the Under-19 World Cup title in February, he pulled his hamstring after the second serve of the fifth during CSK’s innings while attempting the second run. A physiotherapist rushed to the field immediately. Despite the injury, Mhatre decided to continue batting but was dismissed a few deliveries later.
“Well, well, obviously it’s a hamstring tear. I don’t know how bad it is. I’m sure we’ll scan it probably tomorrow or the day after, I’m not sure, but yeah, unfortunately it looks pretty bad,” Hussey told reporters after the match, without confirming whether Mhatre would be ruled out of the tournament.
“Yes, it will be a big loss because he’s been in really nice contact with us. He’s an exciting young talent, but it’s going to give someone else an opportunity, so that’s exciting too,” he added.
CSK’s teenage sensation looked in great form and posed a real threat to SRH’s young fast bowlerswho raced to 30 off 13 balls before injury prevented him from making an impact. “I mean, he didn’t last too many balls after the injury. But yeah, obviously it’s going to affect his batting because he’s been hitting the ball so well and scoring runs,” Hussey said.
MS DHONI RETURN?
This setback adds to CSK’s growing injury concerns. The franchise already does they have lost four of their six games so far this season. They are also currently without veteran batsman MS Dhoni and fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed due to injuries.
Talking about Dhoni’s recovery, Hussey said, “Actually, no, I’m not sure. If the physio is sitting here, maybe he can answer that. But look, he’s progressing nicely with his rehabilitation and I’m happy with the way he’s batting.”
He went on to explain Dhoni’s recovery process: “It’s just about progressing his run-up because if he’s going to bat at the back end of the innings, he’ll have to be able to run quick singles and doubles. He just needs to build confidence in his run-up and improve his speed. I don’t know when he’ll be playing, but I hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
CSK will next travel to Mumbai to take on the other five-time IPL champions at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23.
IPL 2026 | IPL Schedule | IPL Points Table | IPL Player Stats | Purple Cap | Orange Cap | IPL Videos | Cricket News | Live Score
– The end
Published on:
19 Apr 2026 13:21 IST
Tune in
